Did Jesus write names in the dirt? Sins? A passage of Scripture? For centuries, Christians have asked the same question: What did Jesus write on the ground? In this episode, we slow down and carefully examine one of the most mysterious moments in the Gospels, not by claiming to know what Jesus wrote, but by observing what the text actually says. Along the way, we'll uncover details about the Law, the accusers, the trial, and the surprising way Jesus turned the spotlight away from a guilty woman and onto the hearts of those condemning her. More importantly, we'll learn a powerful method for studying Scripture: slowing down, noticing details, asking questions, and allowing the text to speak for itself.

Works Cited

D. A. Hagner, “Scribes,” in The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised, ed. Geoffrey W. Bromiley (Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1979–1988), 359.

Bradley T. Johnson, “Pharisees,” in The Lexham Bible Dictionary, ed. John D. Barry et al. (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016).

Colin G. Kruse, John: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 4, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003), 198.

Matt Carter and Josh Wredberg, Exalting Jesus in John (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2017), 184.

Gerald L. Borchert, John 1–11, vol. 25A, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1996), 374–375.